As a follow up the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman verdict on July 13, The Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Santa Barbara is sponsoring a public forum at the Louise Lowry Davis Center, located at 1232 De La Vina Street, on Tuesday, July 30 from 7-9 p.m. The forum will offer an opportunity for a public conversation regarding race relations in our community. Elected officials and other local leaders will be invited to attend.

During the first 75-90 minutes, members of the public will be invited to express and share some of their local experiences. The second part of the forum will be for community leaders to address the issues and concerns that were raised during the public comments period.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Santa Barbara has as its mission as follows: to foster positive relationships between the many diverse groups in the Santa Barbara Community and the surrounding areas; to sponsor programs and events which exemplify the teachings of Dr. King; to observe and celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.

LWVSB is a member of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee and long-standing co-sponsor of annual MLK Day celebration.

An important League Voter Registration effort will be taking place during August at the Santa Barbara Farmer's Markets and we need your help!

LWVSB will have tables at all the Tuesday farmers markets (4-7 p.m.) and at the Saturday Markets (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) on Aug. 10, 24 and possibly on Aug.31 if there are enough volunteers. Please let Janice Rorick know if you can help at any of these times. (805-962-7961 or janror@aol.com)

LWVSB Training: Saturday, Aug. 17

Board and Off-Board chairs invite League members to a LWVSB Training, Saturday, Aug. 17 at Marmalade Restaurant, 9:30 to 3 p.m. Particulars to follow. Come expand your understanding of LWV Policy Positions. There is space for 30 participants. Contact Joanie Jones, cnjjones@cox.net or Susan Shank, zshank@cox.net to place your reservation.

Pro-Choice Coalition's Great American Write-in

Saturday, August 24, from 1 to 3:30 p.m

This annual event will again be held in the Faulkner Gallery of the Main Santa Barbara Library. The LWVSB is a coalition partner and many League members are involved. Stop by the League's booth and sign letters to legislators on important issues affecting women.

State Action Alert: Support Bill Allowing Inclusionary Zoning

The League of Women Voters of California is calling on our members to contact State Sen. Hannah Beth-Jackson to urge support for AB 1229--a bill which would explicitly state that the Palmer court decision of 2009 does not prevent local jurisdictions from requiring inclusionary zoning or below-market-rate housing units as part of their land use powers.

The bill would not require any locality to have inclusionary zoning, but merely clarifies that local jurisdictions can once again require inclusionary zoning if they choose to do so, as many had for over 30 years prior to the Palmer decision.

According to LWVC, the bill has passed the California House and is pending in the Senate. The bill is in trouble, particularly in Southern California, due to opposition by realtors and the building industry. Key senators who may be leaning towards support are Ted Lieu, Marty Block, Hannah-Beth Jackson and Bill Monning.

When asking Jackson to support AB 1229, you may use the LWVC name or the name of LWVSB. You can call her Santa Barbara district office at 965-0862 or send her an email: click here.

"Many believe that there is not much happening in Washington, D.C. right now, but, in fact, there are a number of League priority issues that need our attention. The President's plan to tackle climate change is a very important step forward and it needs your support; weigh in using our action alert. The upcoming August congressional recess will determine whether the House of Representatives can move forward with immigration reform. August is a critical time to attend town hall meetings and urge your Representatives to address this vital issue. And with the Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act, we must educate the voters in our states and communities about how we can protect the voting rights of all eligible voters."

If you want to stay informed about what the LWVUS is doing and what you can do to help, visit www.lwv.org. You can also sign up for action alerts about the issues you care about.

Update on LWVSB Website

Jennifer

Our newly-appointed webmaster Bonnie Lassen is pleased to announce the newest member of the website team: Jennifer Holland of RC Graphics and Consulting Inc. Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and perspective to the team, and we look forward to working with her over the next year.

Lesley

Lesley Alexander has retired from her position as webmaster, but has not given up working on the website. The calendar section is in good hands with this experienced website veteran.

If you would like to join the team, contact wm@lwvsantabarbara.org. And be sure to visit www.lwvsantabarbara.org any time. In addition to the calendar, Channel Voters and other sections, there is now a link to the "Know Your Government" guide on the site's Home Page.

Channel Voter Returning in September

Look for the next Channel Voter in the mail and online in early September. Unit meetings will start again in October. In the meantime, members are welcome to attend the LWVSB Board Meeting on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 10 a.m. at the League Office, 328 E. Carrillo Street, Suite A.